The Derby City Distaff finished with the top three in the market filling the top spots but not in that order – the winner was Matareya with Wicked Halo second and Goodnight Olive third. Another good Gr 1 for Godolphin.
The Distaff Turf Mile went to Fluffy Socks 5/1 for Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz with Spenderella second and Speak Of the Devil third.
We were right when we said we didn't know too much about these sprinters as our selections are still running. Looks like nobody else had much of a clue judging by the prices. Nobals won on 30/1, Motorious second on 4/1 and Go Bears Go 10/1.
The Pat Day Mile went to General Jim by 3 ½ lengths to Fort Bragg and thus earns a place in our little black book. Gilmore on 15/1 was third.
The American Turf went to Webslinger on 28/1 for M. Casse and J. Castellano with Far Bridge second and Major Dude third.
The race of the day for us was the Churchill Downs when Cody's Wish sailed home to win by 4 ½ lengths. Before going into the Parade Ring and on return from the track he stopped before his namesake Cody Dorman, the young lad with a rare disease and who found happiness in the horse which now carries his name and we may be sentimental but the horse always wins when Cody is there to watch.
For the record Hoist The Gold was second and Tejano Twist third.
The Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic saw Hong Kong Harry unable to reel in Up To The Mark with Spooky Channel third.
And to the Derby itself: the scratching of Forte had left this pretty open but not that open to a 15/1 shot – Mage – for a great win for the Venezuelan trainer Gustavo Delgado and the Venezuelan jockey Javier Castellano. Mage is by Good Magic out of the very good mare Puco who is by Big Brown. Two Phils was second 10/1 and Angel of Empire honest as always third and Disarm 4th.
No Luck really for the Japanese runners – Dermo Sotogake was sweating going into the paddock and on his toes which was not a good sign. He could go to the Preakness which might be more suitable for him, and the same for Mandarin Hero who never got a look in with the big field and his draw.
There was record wagering on Derby Day and all the big winners reported to be fine the morning after (which may not be the same for their human connections) and now it is on to the Preakness.
